Bernice Robe-Quinn of Duke Street told the Visiter that in the last few weeks, her two Rottweiler’s have been injured by other people's who were not on leads

Three-year-old Tonto in his cone after a trip to the vets following the first attack in Duke Street cemetry Southport

A dog owner wants a change in the law after her two prized pooches were attacked on three separate occasions.

Bernice Robe-Quinn of Duke Street told the Visiter that in the last few weeks, her two Rottweiler’s have been the victims of unprovoked cainine violence, due to the owners of other dogs having no control of their pets.

On May 14 Bernice said that her husband Vernon was walking their three-year-old dog Tonto and 10-month-old puppy Ruby in Duke Street cemetery when the first shock incident happened.

Bernice added: “All of a sudden this pit pull type dog came from nowhere with no lead and no visible owner, and started to attack the smallest dog, biting her. Obviously Tonto tried to protect her, my husband even fell over trying to hold the dogs back.

“The owner obviously then heard all the commotion and came over just saying no harm done here mate and left. Then when we got them back to the house we saw Tonto’s tail was in a terrible state it was cut open – he was limping and everything.”

Costing them more than £100 in vets bills, Bernice believes the middle aged owner of the dog was irresponsible to have it off the lead.

She added: “As you enter the cemetery there is a sign that says ‘dogs on leads at all times.’ Thank god there was no child walking through there, they would not have been so lucky.”

The next attack took place on June 5 in the couple’s front garden while both their dogs were on the lead, again being held by Vernon. Bernice said that two Labrador sized cross-breeds came running into the space, dragging their leads behind them and started to attack both her animals.

Bernice added: “The female owner then came running into our garden and tried her best to get hold of her dogs’ leads. She apologised saying she was sorry and that she was training them to walk on their own on the pavement.

“Imagine if there had been children playing in my garden instead. It is just so irresponsible, some people shouldn’t have dogs.”

The latest attack took place on June 11 at around 6pm on Birch Street. Bernice said her son Harrison was walking Tonto when he saw two men in their 20s, one on a bike and one walking who had a pitbull type dog with them – again without a lead.

She added: “My son shouted over to the men to get their dog on a lead as ours was recovering from an attack. The men did not get the dog on a lead and it came running over and started to attack Tonto.

“My son had to stand in between the dogs and tried to push the attacking dogs away. The men
eventually came over and got the dog off ours, he kicked the hell out of his dog, which is just awful – it is another irresponsible owner.”

Bernice said she has reported all the attacks to the dog warden and the MP, Dr John Pugh.

She added: “No dog should be off the lead, unless they are in a dedicated place like a dog park. I have had dogs for years and never had them off the leads. What I really want to see is a change in the law.”

Have you and your pet been the victim of an unprovoked attack by another dog? We want to hear your story, get in touch by calling 01704 398 249 or email georgina.stubbs@trinitymirror.com.

The Editor

Andrew Brown

Andrew Brown is the editor of the Southport Visiter, Midweek Visiter, Formby Times, Ormskirk Advertiser, Skelmersdale Advertiser, and the Crosby Herald. Andrew was born and bred in Southport - a true Sandgrounder. Andrew was one of the founders of Southport's Charity Fun Fest.